Florida State University vs Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Florida State University comes out ahead: 83/100 to 28/100, a 55-point edge over Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Florida State University runs $11,297 a year against $13,739 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University - $2,442 more a year, or about $9,768 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Florida State University graduates earn a median $61,675 against $44,349 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. The cost earns itself back in 6.9 years at Florida State University and 20.9 years at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Florida State University owing a median $18,000 versus $23,548 at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.45 and 0.74 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Florida State University | Florida Agricultural and ... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $5,656 | $5,785 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $18,786 | $17,725 |
| Net Price (avg) | $11,297 | $13,739 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $45,188 | $54,956 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,700 | $31,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $61,675 | $44,349 |
| Graduation Rate | 85.6% | 53.3% |
| Payback Period | 6.9 yr | 20.9 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $18,000 | $23,548 |
| Monthly Payment | $191 | $250 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.45 | 0.74 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 69.0% | 49.5% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 69.9% | 40.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 24.2% | 20.6% |
| Enrollment | 32,212 | 7,582 |
| SAT Range | 1270-1410 | 1030-1180 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Florida State Univer... | Florida Agricultural... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $5,938 | $13,299 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $6,963 | $10,921 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $10,496 | $15,269 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $14,991 | $18,325 |
| $110,001+ | $19,239 | $20,332 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | Florida State Univer... | Florida Agricultural... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $93,727 | $83,041 |
| Accounting | $91,056 | $85,522 |
| Registered Nursing | $78,811 | $73,658 |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $77,320 | $53,902 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $73,888 | $35,817 |
| International Relations | $68,059 | $48,733 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $65,941 | $41,861 |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $60,909 | $56,187 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $57,417 | $44,891 |
| Psychology | $54,728 | $39,472 |
| Teacher Education | $51,863 | $50,736 |
| Biology | $51,256 | $45,173 |
| Social Work | $50,723 | $47,477 |
| Sociology | $50,612 | $31,167 |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $27,277 | $46,081 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Florida State Univer... | Florida Agricultural... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 93 | 33 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 84 | 25 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 81 | 22 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 94 | 46 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 37 | 8 |
| Overall ROI Score | 83 | 28 |
The Verdict
On the money, this one isn't close: Florida State University clearly outperforms Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (83 vs 28), a 55-point gap driven by better earnings for what graduates paid. Unless Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University brings something that matters to you specifically - a standout program in your major, a full scholarship, or reasons beyond the money - the data points to Florida State University.
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Florida State University
Strong Value - Full profile and breakdown
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.